Ghana News
Ghana News Updates – February 20, 2026
Welcome to our rolling news summary, bringing you the latest developments from across Ghana. We are monitoring multiple stories this hour, from political condolences and policy changes to education and human rights. Check back regularly as we update this feed with new information and verified reports.
MPs Trade Blame in Parliament Over Burkina Faso Attack That Killed 8 Ghanaians
Ghana’s Parliament descended into a heated partisan debate on Friday as Members of Parliament traded accusations over the recent terrorist attack in Burkina Faso that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaian tomato traders. The Minority demanded a parliamentary inquiry and compensation for the victims’ families, questioning whether intelligence warnings were ignored. The debate took a sharp political turn when some Majority MPs linked the tragedy to the stalled Pwalugu irrigation project, arguing that its completion would have prevented the need for traders to travel to high-risk zones. The Minority rejected allegations of financial mismanagement related to the project, challenging the government on its economic promises.
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Welcome to our rolling news update from Ghana, curating the latest developments for our global audience. We’re monitoring stories across politics, economy, society, and more—check back regularly as we add new updates throughout the day.
Cocoa Farmers Stage Protest at COCOBOD Over Alleged Government Betrayal on Prices
Cocoa farmers gathered outside the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) headquarters in Accra on February 20, 2026, to protest reduced producer prices and delayed payments from Licensed Buying Companies, which they claim are causing severe financial strain on farming families. Carrying placards with messages like “We worked, you lied” and demanding an immediate price review, the demonstrators accused the government of betrayal amid global cocoa market challenges and declining output. Farmers expressed fears that without action, many may abandon the crop, threatening future production. Read the full story here
President Mahama Scheduled to Deliver State of the Nation Address on February 27
Ghana’s President John Mahama is set to present the 2026 State of the Nation Address to Parliament on February 27, as required by Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution. The speech will outline the country’s current status, assess progress in key sectors like the economy, health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and foreign affairs, and highlight government priorities for the year ahead. Read the full story here
US Embassy Issues Visa Overstay Warning to Ghanaian World Cup Fans
The US Embassy in Ghana warned football enthusiasts on February 20, 2026, that possessing World Cup tickets does not exempt them from US immigration rules or allow visa overstays. Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson clarified that entry durations are set by border officials, typically up to six months for B visas, and urged compliance to prevent legal issues, noting that multiple-entry visas may last five years but are not guaranteed. Read the full story here
Mother of Two Remanded in Baby Theft Case at Mamprobi Polyclinic Amid Syndicate Claims
A 33-year-old trader, Latifa Salifu, was remanded in custody by an Accra court following her alleged theft of a four-day-old baby from Mamprobi Polyclinic on February 17, 2026. Posing as a nurse, she fled with the infant, who was recovered the next day at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, leading to her arrest. Prosecutors allege involvement in a syndicate and opposed bail, while her defense argued she poses no flight risk; she is due back in court on March 4. Read the full story here
Ghana Moves to International Arbitration Over Maritime Boundary With Togo
The Ghanaian government has formally notified Togo of its decision to refer their longstanding maritime boundary dispute to international arbitration. Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed in a statement on Friday that Ghana will seek delimitation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This decision follows eight years of unsuccessful bilateral negotiations and aims to prevent further tensions, promoting a rules-based resolution while preserving bilateral relations. This marks Ghana’s second recourse to such arbitration in a decade, following a similar case with Côte d’Ivoire settled by ITLOS in 2017.
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UK Prisoner Set to Be Deported to Ghana Escapes Police for Second Time
A 21-year-old prisoner, Daniel Boakye, who was due to be deported from the United Kingdom to Ghana, has absconded from custody for the second time in a week. Boakye, a convicted knifepoint robber, fled from police officers at a hospital in Lewisham, south-east London, on Sunday, just five days after escaping prison guards at another hospital. He remains at large, and the Metropolitan Police are reviewing the circumstances of the escape. UK authorities have appealed to the public for information on his whereabouts.
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US Supreme Court Rules That Trump’s Sweeping Emergency Tariffs Are Illegal
In a landmark decision with potential global economic implications, the US Supreme Court has ruled that former President Donald Trump violated federal law by unilaterally imposing sweeping tariffs. The 6-3 ruling, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, stated that the emergency authority Trump relied on was insufficient and that such expansive power requires clear congressional authorization. The decision represents a significant legal and policy setback for the Trump administration, striking down a key element of its foreign economic agenda.
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MoH Probes Three Hospitals Over Young Engineer’s Death
Ghana’s Ministry of Health has launched an investigation into three major hospitals following the death of a young engineer whose case sparked public concern over emergency care procedures. According to health authorities, the probe aims to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the patient’s treatment journey, including allegations of delays and possible lapses in response at multiple facilities. Officials say the findings will guide potential disciplinary actions and reforms to prevent similar incidents. The case has reignited debate over emergency healthcare protocols, referral systems, and patient handling in Ghana’s public health sector. Read the full story here.
Sammy Gyamfi’s Father-in-Law Killed in Alleged Armed Robbery
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) family is in mourning following the tragic death of Mr. Karikari, father-in-law to Sammy Gyamfi, the CEO of GoldBod. He was reportedly killed in an armed robbery attack. The NDC’s Regional Communication Officers have issued a statement, signed by Richard Ernest Kirk-Mensah, extending their condolences to Mr. Gyamfi, his wife, and the entire bereaved family. They have also formally called on the Inspector General of Police, Christian Yohuno Tettey, to launch an urgent investigation to apprehend the perpetrators.
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GHS Enforces Uniform Name Tag Policy After Infant Theft
In response to a security breach at the Mambrobi Polyclinic, where a newborn was allegedly stolen, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced a strict enforcement of the uniform name tag policy for all staff. The directive aims to enhance patient safety and security by ensuring all health professionals are easily identifiable, restoring public trust in healthcare facilities nationwide.
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Speaker Cautions MPs Against Partisan Comments on Burkina Faso Killings
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued a strong caution to Members of Parliament, urging them to refrain from making partisan comments regarding the tragic killing of Ghanaian traders in Burkina Faso. The appeal, made during parliamentary proceedings, emphasizes the need for a unified national approach to handle the sensitive diplomatic situation with the utmost care and respect for the affected families.
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DVLA CEO Denies Allegations of Partisan Employment
The Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has refuted claims that he has been engaging in partisan recruitment, specifically denying allegations of employing loyalists of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The CEO has clarified that all recruitments follow due process and are based on merit, not political affiliation, urging the public to disregard what he describes as unfounded accusations.
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“Prison Has Really Helped Me,” Says Young Farmer
A 29-year-old farmer has made a surprising admission: his time in prison has had a positive impact on his life. Speaking about his experience, he explained that incarceration provided him with the opportunity to reflect, learn new skills, and re-evaluate his choices. He now plans to use his second chance to build a better future for himself and his community.
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Over 800 Nursing Students Stranded After College Closure by GTEC
More than 800 students of the Royal Nursing College in Tafo have been left in limbo following the closure of the institution by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). The sudden shutdown has stranded students in the middle of their academic programs, prompting urgent calls from parents and education advocates for the government to intervene and find a solution for the affected learners.
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54-Year-Old Woman Alleges 50 Years of Abuse by Pastor Father
A disturbing case of prolonged domestic abuse has come to light, as a 54-year-old woman has come forward to narrate her ordeal of being allegedly abused by her father, who is a pastor, for 50 years. Her harrowing account has sparked widespread outrage and reignited conversations about domestic abuse, the protection of vulnerable individuals, and the role of religious institutions in safeguarding their members.
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Toronto, Canada – A Ghanaian pastor and 14 other individuals have been arrested in Vaughan, Ontario, following a major year-long investigation by York Regional Police into an alleged sophisticated fraud scheme that diverted nearly $100,000 from a Canadian program designed to prevent homelessness.
Isaac Oppong, 38, described as the ringleader and a former pastor at Miracle Arena for All Nations from 2018 to 2025, was arrested alongside Richard Owusu, 27, Christiana Oppong, 41, and 12 other non-Ghanaian suspects. The group faces multiple serious charges, including fraud, identity fraud, laundering proceeds of crime, and conspiracy.
The investigation, dubbed Project Great One, was launched after officials detected several suspicious applications to the Homeless Prevention Program (HPP) containing false or misleading information between January and December 2024. Police estimate that approximately $99,600 was fraudulently obtained from the program, which provides emergency housing support to vulnerable people at risk of homelessness. During the probe, officers executed searches on 12 homes and 10 vehicles, uncovering evidence of what they described as a well-organized and sustained operation.
Oppong is alleged to have used his position of trust within the religious community to recruit others into the scheme. The case has sparked concern within both the Ghanaian diaspora and Canadian faith communities, as the funds were intended to support some of society’s most vulnerable individuals. Advocates have warned that such actions erode public trust in social support systems and deprive genuinely needy people of critical assistance.
Police say the investigation remains active, and they have not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects or victims coming to light. They have appealed to the public for any information that could help determine the full scale of the alleged fraud.
London, United Kingdom – A Ghanaian national, Duane Owusu, has been sentenced to a minimum of 16 years and six months in prison for the murder of 27-year-old deaf woman Zahwa Mukhtar, whom he punched and abandoned on a roadside in east London.
Owusu, 36, of Althorne Way in Dagenham, was convicted at the Old Bailey after a trial that revealed a tragic sequence of events on the night of August 15–16, 2025. Mukhtar, who had never met Owusu or his group before, joined them during a night out.
After drinking and taking drugs, tensions escalated inside an overcrowded Mercedes. When the group stopped near a garage in Chadwell Heath Lane, Owusu forcibly removed Mukhtar from the car, threw her phone away, kicked towards her as she lay on the ground, and delivered a forceful blow to her neck. She fell backwards, hitting her head, and suffered a fatal fractured skull and brain injury. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 06:21 BST.
Judge Richard Marks KC described Owusu’s actions as showing complete disregard for Mukhtar’s welfare. He noted that while Owusu may not have immediately realised the severity of her injuries, he “couldn’t have cared less.” The judge also highlighted Owusu’s previous criminal record, including an eight-year sentence in 2010 for acting as a getaway driver in a fatal robbery.
Mukhtar’s brother, Jamaluddin, described her as a “remarkable young woman” who overcame deafness caused by meningitis at age three and never let her disability hold her back. The family expressed deep grief, calling her loss an “immeasurable void.”
The case has drawn attention to issues of violence against women and the vulnerabilities faced by deaf individuals in social situations. Owusu was released on bail pending any appeals.
Ghana News
Berekum Chelsea Robbery Suspects Arrested, Power Supply Disruptions, and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
We have curated the most relevant stories from Ghana to keep you informed. Today’s news cycle covers the arrest of suspects in the tragic armed robbery incident involving a football team, power supply disruptions due to technical faults, scheduled electricity maintenance, and other key developments in governance, justice, and national affairs.
Police Arrest Two Over Deadly Robbery Attack on Berekum Chelsea Team Bus
Police have arrested two suspects, including the alleged gang leader, in connection with a deadly armed robbery attack on the Berekum Chelsea team bus that resulted in the death of one player. The incident occurred as the team was returning from a Ghana Premier League match against Samartex 1996 at Samreboi. Six armed men blocked the VIP bus carrying about 30 players and officials around 10:30pm, opened fire, and forced the driver off the road. A police intelligence team later engaged the suspects in a shootout, injuring one who is now receiving treatment. The Ghana Police confirmed the arrests and stated that further details will be communicated. The attack has sent shockwaves through the football community.
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OSP Has Grounds to Appeal High Court Decision on Prosecutorial Powers – Prof Appiagyei Atua
Legal expert Prof. Kwadwo Appiagyei Atua has stated that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has strong grounds to appeal the recent High Court decision that questioned its prosecutorial powers. The High Court had ruled that the OSP lacks independent authority to prosecute cases and directed the Attorney-General to take over all ongoing cases until proper authorisation is granted. Prof. Appiagyei Atua argued that the ruling raises important constitutional questions and that the OSP is well-positioned to challenge it at the Supreme Court level. The development has sparked debate on the independence of anti-corruption institutions in Ghana.
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Major Fault at Ghana Gas Processing Plant Triggers Power Supply Disruptions
A major technical fault at the Ghana Gas Processing Plant, caused by the complete failure of the Burner Management System controller for the Heat Medium System, has led to an emergency shutdown and temporary curtailment of gas supply to thermal power plants. The incident, announced in a joint press release on April 15, 2026, by Ghana Gas and the Ghana Grid Company, has resulted in power supply disruptions in some parts of the country. Engineers are working around the clock to replace the damaged system and carry out a comprehensive technical and safety risk assessment. Operations are expected to resume today, April 16, 2026, pending the outcome of the assessment. The companies have apologised to the public for the inconvenience.
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ECG Announces Planned Maintenance for April 16: See Full List of Affected Areas
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced planned maintenance works across four regional districts on Thursday, April 16, 2026, resulting in temporary power outages in several communities within the Central, Accra West, Tema, and Accra East Regions. The maintenance exercises, scheduled between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm or 5:00 pm depending on the location, are part of ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and enhance power supply reliability. Affected areas include Saltpond Zongo, Kurankyekrom, Otsir, Anomabo in Central Region; Dome CFC Estates, Gbawe Bulemin, Gonse, Joma Agbozome in Accra West; Lashibi, Community 19 Annex, Klagon in Tema Region; and parts of Nmaidzor and School Junction in Accra East. ECG has apologised to customers and advised them to make alternative arrangements during the specified hours.
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We Still Don’t Know 2020 Election Result Because ‘Unanimous FC’ Protected Jean Mensa – Tsatsu
Renowned legal practitioner Tsatsu Tsikata has criticised the Supreme Court panel that handled the 2020 presidential election petition, claiming it failed to allow proper questioning of Electoral Commission Chair Jean Mensa. Speaking at an Honourific Lecture and Award ceremony held in his honour by the University of Professional Studies, Accra on April 15, 2026, Tsikata described the panel as a “unanimous FC” for allegedly shielding Mensa. He pointed to inconsistencies in the results announced by Mensa and later corrections by the EC, arguing that the lack of testimony has left Ghanaians without a definitive accounting of the 2020 election outcome.
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Don’t Resign, Relax and Collect Your Pay – Prof Prempeh to Special Prosecutor
Former Education Minister Prof. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) has advised the Special Prosecutor not to resign but to “relax and collect your pay” amid ongoing legal challenges to the office’s prosecutorial powers. The outspoken MP made the remarks in reaction to the recent High Court ruling that questioned the OSP’s authority. He argued that the Special Prosecutor should remain in office and continue performing his duties while the legal battles play out in the courts.
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Ten Killed in Deadly Crash on Accra-Kumasi Highway
Ten people have been killed in a tragic road accident on the Accra-Kumasi highway. The crash occurred when a vehicle lost control and collided with another, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Emergency services responded promptly, but the incident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety on one of Ghana’s busiest highways.
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Strong Exports Lift Ghana’s Q4 2025 Trade Surplus to GH¢47.2bn
Ghana recorded a strong trade surplus of GH¢47.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by robust export performance, particularly in key commodities. The positive trade balance reflects improving external sector conditions and stronger global demand for Ghanaian goods. Economists say sustained export growth will be critical for maintaining macroeconomic stability.
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Ghanaian Pastor and 14 Others Arrested in Canada for Alleged Multi-Million Dollar Fraud
President Mahama Arrives in Brazzaville for N’Guesso’s Inauguration as Re-Elected Leader of Congo
South Africa’s Political Landscape Shaken After Julius Malema Sentenced to Five Years in Prison
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